One of the biggest responsibilities of being a dog owner is to take your dog for daily walks and make sure your pet gets enough exercise during the day. While walking your dog is probably the first thing on every owner’s mind, there are often a few tricks to walking your pet that can further strengthen your bond and improve your dog’s wellbeing. Doglo brings you, via Delphi, 6 suggestions to avoid when walking your dog. Dog walking expert Anne Curbow gives advice on the best way to walk your dog.
- Don’t get stuck because of a stubborn puppy
While larger breeds are often keen to go for a walk, smaller breeds may not be so keen. Some dogs like to be tugged this way and that on a walk, while others are stubbornly stubborn. Still, it’s important to keep your dog moving, so bring some treats or dry dog food to reward and tease your pet. That way, a walk is most effective! - Stick to safety rules
In the summer, asphalt can become unbearably hot and scorch your dog’s paws. Be sure to check the asphalt yourself before you walk: do a 5-second test, so if you can’t keep your hand on the asphalt for more than 5 seconds, it’s probably too hot for your dog to walk on.In the spring, all sorts of chemicals sprayed on the pavement melt out of the snow, causing serious damage to your dog’s paws and pads. These cause dryness and can also be toxic when licked. Dogs lick their paws and this is how the chemicals get into their system and cause toxicity. Be careful!Paw waxes and other protective products sold in pet shops can be used to protect your dog’s paws. You can also use special slippers and socks to protect paws. However, not all dogs like them and many owners are reluctant to use them. If your dog is one of those who doesn’t like slippers, Anne recommends rubbing his paws clean with a warm towel after every walk. A paw wax is also a good way to treat them. Just as people like to moisturise their hands in cold weather, dogs need extra protection.
- Choose the right strap for your favourite
Short leash: it’s often tempting to choose a leash that is adjustable in length. Anne recommends a short leash for puppies, as it allows you to keep control of your dog and make it easier to manage when walking in the city. However, with an adjustable leash, the dog may run towards a squirrel at any moment, for example, and cause unnecessary distraction.Braces: it is a good idea to use braces for smaller dogs. They give the owner even more control over his dog. The advantage of braces over leashes is that they do not strangle the dog. The advantage of a leash over a harness is that it does not hold the dog.
- Watch your dog’s behaviour
If you feel the crisp frost nipping at you, the weather is obviously too cold for your dog.The same goes for summer: when the sun is blazing, it’s not fun for your dog.Your dog can easily get heatstroke, and it’s not a good idea to take long walks in hot weather. If your dog starts to pant noticeably in summer, give him plenty to drink.Remember to take drinking water with you at all times.Special cooling jackets are also available in shops.Avoid strenuous exercise and long walks in hot weather. The same goes for cold weather. And remember not to leave your dog in the car on hot or very cold days. - Don’t approach unknown dogs
Don’t take your dog to other dogs you don’t know and whose behaviour you can’t predict. It is possible that your dog is behaving in an extremely friendly manner, but the other dog misunderstands and acts aggressively.Maybe the other dog or its owner doesn’t want you to go to them with your dog.Maybe the owner is trying to exercise their dog, or maybe the other dog is sick and feeling unwell.If the other dog owner shows an interest in the introduction and is able to control their dog, you may want to consider it, but always ask permission.Otherwise, it’s not a good idea to go ahead with the introduction.Walk calmly past the oncoming dog.This will also help the dog learn that there is no need to rush to every species.
- Reward your dog after a walk
Walks should always be positive and happy. If you’ve just had a long and enjoyable hike, reward your dog. Show that you were happy with him, that he was good and behaved well. Always end the walk on a positive note!
To ensure safety, the Doglo team also recommends putting a tracker around your dog’s neck. This way, your dog is protected from unexpected loss, and the Doglo app can track the distance you and your dog have travelled. This way you know exactly where your dog is and how far he is walking during the day! READ MORE ABOUT DOGLO!
